By Irene Best Nyapendi Bruce Amanya Mugisha is a man on a mission. He is on a mission to solve the infrastructural challenges faced by his native district – Sheema – in western Uganda. He is also on a mission to join the country’s legislature, and contribute to its lawmaking function. Amanya also wants to give back to his alma mater – Uganda Christian University – where he served as the institution’s guild president from 2018-2019.
Sheema, known for its significant contributions to Uganda’s agricultural sector, particularly in tea and coffee production, faces a critical challenge: the poor state of the road network.
Bruce Amanya Mugisha during his recent Master’s graduation in Civil Engineering at Makerere University.
Amanya says farmers in the district struggle to transport their goods, hindering economic growth and development. And his is a voice joining the many, urging the Ugandan government to intervene and address the critical issue of road network, to enable easy and faster access of markets by farmers.
In fact, he believes that to have a bigger say, he should voice his concerns where decision makers are at Fora. And it’s one of the reasons, he says, why he is joining the Ugandan Parliament. In addition to contributing to the country’s legislative agenda, Amanya thinks he will push for the needs of his constituents.
Amanya’s desire to contribute to addressing Uganda’s pressing infrastructure challenges, particularly the roads, is not something he’s just woken up to. In fact, because of that desire, he carefully chose his university course, one which he felt would give him the opportunity to push that agenda. At UCU, which he joined in 2016, Amanya pursued Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. His master’s degree at Makerere University was also in the same field – civil engineering.
After completing his undergraduate degree, Amanya worked on several high-impact projects. As a pavement engineer, he worked closely with the National Enterprise Corporation to ensure the paving of the Entebbe Pediatric Hospital Road.
The paving of the road, which had been plagued by potholes, has improved access to emergency surgical services at the hospital. Amanya has also worked on the rehabilitation of 62.5 km Olwiyo-Pakwach road in Nwoya district, northern Uganda. The route connects northwestern Uganda to South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The road is also a tourist route leading to Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda.
These experiences not only honed his technical expertise but also deepened his understanding of the critical role that infrastructure plays in driving economic growth and improving livelihoods.
Currently, Amanya works as a pavement engineer with the Ugandan government. His ambitions extend far beyond his current role. With a keen interest in politics and public service, he is still building his career. In September this year, Amanya plans to enroll for a PhD.
Amanya attributes his desire for politics and making the world a better place to what he learned while at UCU. He fondly remembers the friendships he made and the invaluable support he received from the faculty.
The upgraded Entebbe Pediatric Hospital Access Road.
“UCU is more than just an institution; it is a community that fosters growth, excellence, and integrity,” he explained, adding: “I am proud to be an alumnus, and I am committed to giving back to my alma mater.”
Among the many mentors from UCU, Amanya singles out Mr. David Mugawe, who still performs that role to date.
He plans to provide internship opportunities for UCU students at his company, Machbolt Engineering Limited, an engineering firm in Uganda that provides services such as project costing, contracting, consulting, and rehabilitation.
One of the hurdles he says he encountered as a student was securing an internship placement. Now, he wants to mitigate such challenges for as many students as possible by collaborating with the UCU Faculty of Engineering to provide internship opportunities for the students.
Amanya had his early education at Paragon Boarding Primary School and secondary education at Ntare School, after which he joined UCU. Paragon and Ntare are in western Uganda. In addition to Master’s in Civil Engineering, Amanya also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management.
To support UCU programs, students, activities and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.
By Irene Best Nyapendi So, this is how Joan Abeera introduced herself to the world: She took a leap of faith and opened a Facebook page to showcase the work she would do whenever she was off duty. To her surprise, her first post on the social media platform caught the attention of a potential client. People started noticing her posts.
“After my first post on Facebook, a client reached out to me, asking for a similar art piece that I had posted,” Abeera said. It was a TV unit and a mirror.
That positive feedback, the 29-year-old said, fueled her passion, and soon, more orders came in, including projects for an entire apartment. In less than six months, she was earning up to 1 million UGX from a business she started with only 200,000 UGX. (1M UGX = 272.65 USD)
Lampshades Joan Abeera designed.
As the business grew, she realized she needed a physical space for her creations. With profits from her work, she rented a two-roomed house that became her showroom. This space was essential for clients who wanted to “see” and “touch” her designs.
With each design, she strives to make something different and amazing, drawing inspiration from her name and her rich cultural heritage.
The name ‘Abeera,’ means ‘pure’ in Rufumbira, a local dialect in southwestern Uganda. She says by naming her business Abeera Creatives, she wanted her brand to reflect her commitment to creating unique, handcrafted pieces that are both amazing and durable.
“Whenever I look at an item, I think of how unique I can create it; if I see a lampshade in metal design, I try to make it differently and better, in wood,” she said.
Her creative process is collaborative. She works closely with a team of four skilled people — a carpenter, a metalworker, a painter, and a support staff. Together, they mix materials and ideas to bring Abeera’s visions to life. For instance, if a client requests a specific shade of grey for a piece, she might mix paints to achieve the perfect color.
Her husband, she says, has been a support pillar in the business: He often refers clients from his network, something Abeera says has helped her grow from strength to strength.
What sets Abeera Creatives apart is its commitment to personalization.She believes every project should reflect the client’s lifestyle and personality. By using locally-sourced materials and collaborating with Ugandan artisans, she creates designs that celebrate both global inspiration and local craftsmanship.
Her most cherished project is a Scandinavian-inspired home, the space is not only functional and elegant, but it also tells the story of its occupants, reflecting their personalities. This project required extensive time and effort, but it remains one of Abeera’s proudest achievements.
Abeera’s most cherished project, a Scandinavian-inspired home.
Like any entrepreneur, Abeera faces challenges in her work. One of the most significant hurdles is managing client expectations. Many clients rely heavily on social media platforms like TikTok and Pinterest for design inspiration.
Often, they request designs that may not be feasible in the materials they desire and she often finds herself negotiating with clients who want the cheapest options.
“Sometimes you get the South African boards which are durable, but the client will say it is expensive because it is twice the price of boards made in Uganda,” she said.
Time constraints also pose a challenge. Clients sometimes expect projects to be completed in unrealistic timelines. To manage this, Abeera communicates clearly about her timelines, often adding extra time to ensure she can deliver quality work without rushing.
While she acknowledges the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in keeping up with trends, she believes that true creativity comes from within.
She cautions fellow interior designers against relying too heavily on AI, stressing that while the technology can provide ideas, it cannot execute the detailed work of an interior designer.
For those looking to work with an interior designer, Abeera offers valuable advice, stressing the importance of understanding the purpose of the space, whether it is residential or commercial. She encourages clients to involve designers from the early stages of construction. By working together, they can avoid potential issues, like ensuring there are enough electrical sockets for lighting fixtures.
“Sometimes a client wants lights on her dressing mirror yet there is no socket in her bedroom; had they involved an interior designer earlier, she would have advised a socket close to where the dressing mirror would be,” she said.
Her passion for design is deeply rooted in her childhood – she grew up in a family that valued creativity and craftsmanship. Her mother introduced her to jewelry making. Together, they would select colors and textures, laying the groundwork for Abeera’s keen eye for design.
In 2018, Abeera graduated from Uganda Christian University (UCU) with a Bachelor of Industrial and Fine Art. Her time at UCU was transformative, filled with creative projects that honed her skills. One class project, an interior design exhibition featuring Scandinavian-inspired designs, portrayed her ability to blend cultures and styles.
She credits her education at UCU for shaping her entrepreneurial mindset, instilling in her discipline and the practical skills she acquired in areas such as tailoring, fabric mixing, and creating mood boards.
The exhibitions she participated in at UCU provided hands-on experience, boosting her confidence to present her work and connect with clients. For instance, she was hired to make furniture for the UCU Kingdom View Pavilion where, to meet the preferences of the client, she used metal and mugavu wood to create a rustic, local feel on the folding round and rectangular tables.
With a growing clientele and a passion for design, she envisions opening more showrooms and producing custom-made furniture in-house, offering clients a complete design experience. She hopes to, one day, set up a design academy, where she can mentor young creatives, sharing her knowledge and inspiring the next generation of designers.
To support Uganda Christian University programs, students, activities and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.
UCU Kampala Campus where the main academic building at the School of Law, is soon to be called the John Senyonyi Building.
By Jimmy Siyasa The honor-tradition of naming buildings after individuals in recognition of their extraordinary contribution toward a given cause dates back to the first century Common Era. One of the notable instances of the practice was when Roman General Agrippa had his name inscribed on the Pantheon Temple, a towering temple he built and dedicated to the worship of all Roman gods between AD 25-27, although in later centuries it was taken over by the Roman Catholic Church.
This tradition is still alive and well, even after two millennia, and including with the recent Uganda Christian University (UCU) re-naming of seven buildings. In 2016, American business news television channel, CNBC, reported that sometimes organizations, especially charities, also use naming-of-facilities as a strategy to both encourage more donations from the honored persons or others who covet having their names emblazoned across a building somewhere.
Just like many human endeavors, this tradition has both its pros and cons.
One downside is that putting a person’s name on a building may detract from the actual purpose of what the building serves or houses.An additional downside of naming buildings after still-living persons is a debate in some circles that a living person may stray or change-for-the-bad, betraying the cause for which they were honored.
The upside is giving honor to whom it is due. This rationale is mirrored by the UCU Council when at the end-of-2024 meeting, it resolved to honor seven “distinguished persons who have contributed greatly to the growth and development of the university over the years,” as stated in a December 4, 2024 memo from the Vice Chancellor. An additional upside is that this honor-tradition can serve as a means of inspiring more people- especially the young to do good.
The seven persons at UCU are: Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, Bishop Dunstan Bukenya, Dr. Alex Kagume, the late Rev. Canon. Dr. Jackson Turyagenda, Dr. Jean Chamberlain, Dr. Karen Drake and Ilakut Bella Bella. Below is an overview of their contributions and the corresponding university building/facilities named after them.
Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi
Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi: He served as University Chaplain, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Development and External Relations and Vice Chancellor. He was instrumental in the growth of the University for about 20 years. He led in the development of many academic programs and university policies. He also played a key role in negotiating the purchase of the land where Kampala Campus is now located.
After him, the main academic building at the UCU Kampala Campus School of Law, is now called the“John Senyonyi Building.”
Bishop Dunstan Bukenya
Bishop Dunstan Bukenya: Now a retired cleric of the Anglican Church of Uganda, Bishop Bukenya was at the center of the transition from Bishop Tucker Theological College to Uganda Christian University in 1997, and the first University Secretary. He led in the development of university policies and programs. He trained and mentored multitudes of theologians in the country who are now key leaders in the Church and the region.
The Library for Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology students, formerly known as the Bishop Tucker Library, is soon to be the “Bishop Dunstan Bukenya Library.”
Dr. Alex Kagume
Dr. Alex Kagume: Now serving as the Deputy Executive Director of Uganda’s National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), the regulator for all tertiary and higher institutions of learning, he was recognized for his leading role in the establishment of UCU. He also served as the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and contributed to the development of many academic programs and policies. He also taught in the School of Divinity and Theology for over 17 years.
The Science laboratory building for the Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology, formerly “Tech Park Science Labs” block, is designated the “Alex Engineering Building.”
Dr. Jean Chamberlain
Dr. Jean Chamberlain: She established the Save the Mothers program at UCU with the aim of reducing child and maternal death in selected referral hospitals in the country. She contributed greatly to the starting of the Master of Public Health Leadership that has trained many prominent leaders in the Nursing profession in the country.
Save The Mothers House, located at the UCU staff quarters at the Besania foothill, is designated the “Jean Chamberlain House.”
Prof. Karen Drake
Prof. Karen Drake: She was at the center of establishing the Nursing Science program at UCU from Diploma to Masters, and now the developing PhD program. Karen has trained PhDs in the Nursing Program by sourcing for funding. She still teaches in the program as a Visiting Professor.
The Nursing Skills Laboratories located at the ICMI Building at UCU, will from now on be the “Karen Drake Nursing Laboratories.”
Ilakut Ben Bella
Ben Bella Ilakut: A pioneer print and broadcast journalist in Uganda, Ben Bella, as he is famously known by the Uganda media fraternity, was at the center of establishing the studios of the UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication (JMC). He taught for over 10 years in the school, and he has mentored many prominent communication and media personalities in Uganda.
The radio and television studios of the School of JMC have been “baptized” as the “Ben Bella Ilakut Studios.”
Rev. Canon. Dr. Jackson Turyagyenda
The late Rev. Canon. Dr. Jackson Turyagyenda: He played a leading role in starting a Church of Uganda Radio Center and the Department of Communication at UCU, which overtime morphed into the school. Dr. Turyagenda was the architect of “radio ministry’” (radio evangelism) of the Anglican Church in Uganda. He was a leading Radio evangelist and he mentored many Christian media communicators and practitioners.
While he passed away at the end of 2024, Turyagenda’s legacy will remain etched on with his name inscribed on the building that formerly hosted the university community newspaper, Standard; it is named the “Jackson Turyagyenda building.”
Anyone who has been acquainted or worked with at least one of the UCU “fantastic seven’’ can attest that the honour bestowed on them by UCU is due.
The plan is for the names to be put on the buildings by the end of the UCU Easter 2024 Semester this April.
The last time a building name designation was made was in 2015 when the Rev. Dr. Stephen Noll and his wife, Peggy, had the Mukono campus’ 22 lecture room block named after them.
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Uganda Christian University has many stories like this one. To support programs, students, activities, and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.
UCU Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi delivering his speech during the research dissemination workshop at African Village Hotel in Mukono
By Kefa Senoga A project by Uganda Christian University (UCU) researchers has linked close to 500 Ugandan farmers to buyers of their produce for the last three years. The AIRTEAproject, which targeted people growing indigenous vegetables in Uganda, linked the farmers to buyers through contracts with specific requirements for the vegetables produced.
Speaking in January 2025, Prof. Elizabeth Balyejusa Kizito, the Director of Research, Partnership, and Innovations at UCU disseminated the project results. The Principal Investigator of the AIRTEA project, said, “they trained farmers on sustainable production, business planning and on post-harvest management.”
Prof. Elizabeth Kizito addressing the audience at the workshop.
Kizito noted that one of the major goals of the project was to address the supply constraints, and how small scale farmers reliably supply the required product quantities and quality in time as demanded by the market. The project was conducted in the Ugandan districts of Mukono, Buikwe, Nakaseke, Luweero, Mityana and Kayunga in central Uganda along with Jinja and Bugiri in eastern Uganda.
The AIRTEA project is transforming agriculture in Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda by bridging gaps in agricultural knowledge and innovation through enhanced entrepreneurial skills and access to inclusive platforms.
Another notable achievement of the project by the UCU researchers involved pumpkin farmers, who secured a contract to supply seed grain for snacks. Kizito noted: “We supported the farmers to access the variety of pumpkin that was specified, trained them in how to improve their productivity, yields, and post-harvest management for quality.”
Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, the Vice Chancellor of UCU, emphasized the significance of the project, noting that it fosters a vital partnership with farmers. He commended the researchers for actively involving farmers, noting that it was “transforming lives and communities.”
He further commended the project’s coordinators, particularly the UCU Directorate of Research, Innovations, and Partnerships for extending UCU’s impact beyond the lecture-rooms and into the community.
Part of the audience during the workshop.
The project, which started in 2022, has been funded by the European Union through the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), in partnership with the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in East and Central Africa (ASARECA) and East African Farmers Federation (EAFF). UCU has been implementing it with partners, including Uganda National Farmers Federation (UNFFE), Syova Seeds Ltd and FARMGAIN Africa Ltd, a market information company.
Dr. Rosemary Bulyaba, the Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at UCU, noted that UCU focuses on teaching students practical skills, including product processing and value addition. She highlighted the faculty’s alignment with the AIRTEA project, which integrates seamlessly with their initiatives.
Perez Kawumi, the Deputy Executive Director at UNFFE, noted that the AIRTEA project has served as a beacon of hope over the past two-and-a-half years, transforming lives and empowering communities. He acknowledged the successful execution of tasks through collaboration with dedicated partners and underscored the importance of sustaining the lasting impact of the project.
Dr. Joshua Okonya, the Programs Officer at ASARECA, one of the consortium funders of the AIRTEA project, thanked the technical and financial partners for their teamwork and dedication, which, he said, led to the attainment of the goals that were set.
He commended UCU’s approach of producing hands-on graduates, saying it equips them with skills to navigate challenges in the field of work.
Mugisha Johnson, the Sales and Marketing Manager at SYOVA Seeds Uganda, said their roles in the project were ensuring the production of high-quality seeds, establishing demonstration gardens, and providing guidance and training to farmers in seed and vegetable production.
David Luwandaga, an official from Farm Gain Africa, which was responsible for linking and connecting farmers to markets, said, “several buyers were successfully mobilized, an achievement whose glory was also shared by Alex Mukotanyi, the Head of Membership at UNFFE.”
To support Uganda Christian University programs, students, activities and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.
UCU Vice Chancellor Aaron Mushengyezi speaking at the congress
By Kefa Senoga Uganda Christian University (UCU) Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi has called for a “louder” advocacy for children with special needs, arguing that every child is a blessing from God. Mushengyezi said the “dynamics” surrounding children with special needs have evolved, highlighting their growing prominence in family and school life.
Society has come to recognize that children with special needs are equally human, with emotions, and needs, and are also very clever and talented. Mushengyezi explained to guests during a conference held in Nkoyoyo Hall at the UCU Main Campus in Mukono, on January 13.
The second Annual Special Needs Congress 2025 was held as a collaboration between UCU School of Social Sciences and Promise International, a US-based non-profit organization advocating basic human rights and supporting children with special needs in Uganda.
People who attended the congress. Front-left, wearing hat is Zac Niringiye, a former Anglican assistant bishop of Kampala
While giving a historical context to special needs, Mushengyezi noted that issues concerning children with special needs have been happening over centuries. “When you go back to the Middle Ages, for example, you will notice that children were highly neglected, infant mortality was high, the number of children who died per capita was high and the level of literacy was quite low,” he explained.
“Formal education had not become widespread because in the Middle Ages, it was mainly the church and monasteries that championed education, which mainly focused on basic literacy. A lot of schooling was done at home by the parents and societies, that’s why you often hear them say that it took a village to raise a child,” Mushengyezi noted.
The inaugural special needs congress, which was hosted in February last year focused on fostering interaction with special needs children, along with their parents and teachers. The objective was to gain insights into their challenges and to advocate support.
This year’s congress sought to promote a more inclusive and compassionate church that supports individuals with disabilities and their families. It also aimed to advocate the integration of disability issues into theological education and training, setting a model for holistic ministry and outreach.
Daniel Tulibagenyi, the CEO of Promise International, narrated how the partnership between his organization and UCU came into being. “In 2022, I knocked at the doors of UCU, to see how we could work together, especially within the church, and the Vice Chancellor welcomed us. We signed a Memorandum of Agreement and since then, UCU has opened its doors wide, which is why we are here today.”
Tulibagenyi’s connection to UCU runs deep, as it is his alma mater. He credited the university for laying the strong foundation that has shaped his life and career. “Helping children with special needs is a powerful way to demonstrate our love for Jesus, as they, too, are created in the image of God. The church is meant to be the hope of the world,” he said.
Daniel Tulibagenyi, the CEO of Promise International
Rev. Andrew David Omona, the Dean of the UCU School of Social Sciences, provided a biblical perspective, reminding the audience: “Genesis 1:27 tells us that we are all created in the image of God. Everyone is wonderfully made and bears his image, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.”
And for that reason, Bishop Jackson Fredrick Balwa, the Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Kampala, emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of individuals with special needs, particularly children. “God is calling us to advocate for those with special needs. We must work to influence policies that support and uplift them,” he said.
Zac Niringiye, a former Anglican Assistant Bishop of Kampala, noted that children with disabilities are our teachers of the good news of the kingdom of God because “they are the centre of God’s vision of the kingdom of God”.
The Rev. Dr. Simon Masiga, a priest and a lecturer of Religion and Peace Studies at Makerere University in Kampala, emphasized that physical differences do not diminish an individual’s humanity. “People with disabilities are also entitled to normal lives. They deserve justice, self-confidence, and a strong sense of identity,” he said.
Lay reader Kizito Peter from Kisowera Parish near Mukono said the congress had had an impact on him. As one of the church leaders who attended the congress, he pledged to apply the knowledge gained, particularly the strategies for including and engaging individuals with disabilities and children with special needs in church programs.
“In the church I serve, my congregation includes children with special needs. When we involve them in activities like singing in the choir or playing musical instruments, it inspires them and affirms their sense of humanity,” Kizito said.
To support Uganda Christian University programs, students, activities and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.
Canadian journalist Thomas Froese interacts with UCU writing center coaches in the Hamu Mukasa Library on January 21, 2025.
By Christine Mirembe At a cosy table outside the Eunice Guest House, near the historic Bishop Tucker Building of Uganda Christian University (UCU) in Mukono, I had a cup of tea with the Canadian journalist Thomas Froese.
“There’s a need for people like myself to help build skills of writers,” he said, while we sat amidst nearby palm trees and in a gentle breeze. “So, I came and have been engaged in encouraging training sessions for young writers and journalists.”
Thomas is a veteran journalist, adjunct creative writing lecturer, a husband, father and Christian. For him, they’re all things that he can write about. So is Uganda, which feels like home, considering his family had lived at UCU for 12 years.
“We lived eight months a year here at UCU and four months in Canada,” he said of the years 2005 to 2017. “The children went to school in Kampala every day. We would drive them to KISU in Bukoto, Kampala International School.”
Thomas, who was born in Berlin, grew up in Canada’s Niagara Region. He now lives in the Canadian city of Hamilton with his wife, Dr. Jean Chamberlain Froese, an obstetrician. Their children are Liz, 21; Jonathan, 19; and Hannah, 19, a native of Uganda and adopted into the Froese family when she was young.
Thomas is well recognized as a journalist and author with 35 years of experience in newspapers. He’s written columns for the Hamilton Spectator for more than 20 years, often about “news, travel, fatherhood and life.”
In 2009, he published “Ninety-Nine Windows: Reflections of a Reporter from Arabia to Africa and Other Roads Less Travelled,” which was awarded Best Book (Culture) by the Canadian writers’ organization, The Word Guild.
As we meet just down the hill from the Save the Mothers residence, where his family had lived while at UCU, Thomas shared how he and his wife came to UCU. While living in the Middle East, he and Dr. Jean first visited the university in 2003 as she was imagining a new public health leadership program to address Uganda’s needs in maternal health.
Froese, a founder of the UCU Standard newspaper, during his annual visit at UCU-Mukono in January 2025
“The university was very accommodating,” Thomas recalled. “It was Stephen Noll, the vice chancellor at that time, and his wife, Peggy, who were our encouragers. They said they wanted to strengthen the university’s health program and felt our vision fit perfectly.”
The program, a Masters in Public Health Leadership called “Save the Mothers,” was launched in 2005. To house the program in 2008, Save the Mothers and UCU built Mirembe Hall, named after Dr. Florence Mirembe, a well-known Ugandan physician working with Dr. Jean. The Save the Mothers name had originated with a previous program run by the Canadian Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists that Jean was involved in.
While Thomas and Jean raised their children at UCU, Dr. Jean had her hand in the Save the Mothers curriculum and Thomas helped start the campus newspaper, The Standard. With the support of Vice Chancellor Noll, the Standard’s first edition was launched in 2007. John Semakula, the current Head of Department, School of Journalism, was among its first four interns.
“It is very gratifying to know there’s this continuity,” Thomas said. “People who were here at the beginning of The Standard have returned to UCU to serve and to build the next generation.”
With the newspaper’s shift to digital, Thomas acknowledges change and its inevitability. The Standard currently also prints once a month, but he is optimistic it can go back to printing twice a month, which it did for many years. He also points out the newspaper’s role in building UCU as a community, how a greater printing frequency will help this.
Life is not always a straight path. Thomas has met with challenges in his career. As a freelance columnist in particular, he understands that newspapers are going through changes that can make the profession uncertain. But he encourages other journalists to stay optimistic and remember there are now various platforms for their work.
Another lesson is to read good role models, Thomas notes. One of his is Frederick Buechner, an American author and theologian.
“I will read Frederick Buechner to anybody who will listen, including my dog, Grace,” he says.
During his stay on campus this January, Thomas took part in both organized and impromptu sessions with various students on campus. One session was with the UCU Writing Centre coaches. During that January 21 gathering, he shared basics of good writing with a reminder of the importance of reading widely across different genres, both fiction and non-fiction.
Currently, the Froese family lives in Hamilton, which is near Toronto, Canada. Thomas writes columns alongside teaching creative writing at Redeemer University, in Hamilton, every fall semester. Jean continues to travel to Uganda twice a year while working at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton, and teaching in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at McMaster University. Liz, Jonathan and Hannah are preparing for careers in nursing, engineering and teaching, respectively.
To support UCU programs, students, activities and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.
Dr. Rhoda attends to a patient as the mother looks on
By Eriah Lule From 6am to 6pm, one can’t fail to notice Dr. Nakiriba Rhoda Mayega within the in-patient Paediatric Wing (children’s ward) at Mengo Hospital, a private, faith-based teaching facility in Kampala, Uganda.
As many embraced medicine as a career, for Mayega it was more. She holds it as a deeper calling with the passion to both heal the sick and to pass on her 10 years of medicine experience as a lecturer within the Uganda Christian University (UCU) School of Medicine (SoM). During her 12-hour days, five days a week, she can be seen with patients and SoM students at what many call Namirembe Hospital, which was founded by Sir Albert Ruskin Cook, a British medical missionary in Uganda.
Growing up as a young girl, Mayega excelled in science, leaving her at a crossroads of being either an engineer or a doctor. The late Richard Wabwire, her former sciences teacher at Trinity College Nabbingo, an all-girls boarding school, counseled her to lean further toward medicine.
Having finished her Bachelor in Medicine and Bachelor in Surgery at Makerere University, she did an internship at Mulago National Referral Hospital in 2009. As a trainee doctor in an emergency ward handling many fragile cases, her love for adult medicine was ignited.
Dr. Rhoda supervises UCU medical students in the ward.
“For adults, diagnosis was easy, but in the Paediatric Ward, cases needed thinking fast and hard as most of them were a life-and-death situation,” she said “I didn’t like the Paediatrics Wing at all.”
Later in 2010 after her internship she applied in a private clinic within the former Louis Medical Centre in Kampala. It was a job that excited her while causing some dismay because she saw a major gap of services in the Paediatric ward.
“After three months of working, I felt the environment wasn’t stimulating,” Mayega recalled. “I felt underutilized.”
She took her credentials to Kayunga District Hospital in the central part of the country. There were two medical doctors on staff with one being the medical superintendent and another, Dr. Sabiiti Perezi, engaged in administrative tasks more than patient care.
No sooner had she started her conversation with the hospital’s Human Resources, than an emergency happened in the labor ward; an operation had to be done to save a mother and child.
“First head to the ward and save them, then we can talk later, HR told me,“ she remembered. “I carried out a successful Caesarean section. In me, I felt I had found my place.”
With such tidings and talent, the District Service Commission (committee in charge of hiring civil servants at Local Government level across all sectors/departments) held an emergency meeting and agreed that Mayega should join the Hospital. In 2010, she was confirmed into Government service.
According to the Analysis of Health Labour Market in Uganda report 2022, the total stock of health workers in Uganda was estimated at 158,932 in 2022 with a density of 25.9 doctors, nurses and midwives per 10,000 people. The highest number of health workers were nurses and midwives (106,915), followed by laboratory technicians (16,098) and clinical officers (13,627).
With such statistics and few skilled medical doctors at the time, Kayunga Hospital had no doctor attached to obstetrics and paediatrics, leaving Mayega no option but to join the ward and serve.
The smiles from children after a relief of their medical challenges, along with the prayers and thank yous from their parents, was the beam of hope that further cemented Mayega’s service in paediatrics.
Dr. Rhoda, at right, attends to a patient.
“A child’s smile and a relieved parent spoke directly to my soul,” she said. “This is what I am going to do for the rest of my life.”
Mayega credits her supervisor, Dr. Edson Mworozi, a senior consultant paediatrician from Mulago who visited Kayunga every two months, for much of her success. He told the Medical Superintendent not to “let the young lady go… her talent is a living testimony for the people of Kayunga.”
“I was in paediatrics but we still collectively managed emergencies as the three doctors,” she recalled.
In 2013 and despite insufficient human resources at the hospital, the District Service Commission granted her a study leave, allowing Mayega to leave Kayunga to pursue her Masters of Paediatrics and Child Health at Makerere University for three years.
In 2016, she worked part-time at Mengo’s Paediatric Ward while serving at Kayunga.
The District Health officer of Kayunga District at the time retired, and the Hospital Medical Superintendent was appointed to the position. Dr. Sabiiti, who was more senior, had advanced in age so he couldn’t replace the Superintendent; Mayega was called to fill the position to steer the hospital leadership, an opportunity she turned down.
“I wasn’t going back to Kayunga,” she said. Being married with children was part of the reason.
Mengo Hospital wrote to the Government asking Mayega to join there. She first served as a visiting paediatrician at the out-patient ward later transferred to the in-charge of the Paediatrics Ward to today.
Before joining, the hospital Paediatric Ward was referred to as a “death bed” as it was difficult to go a day without multiple mourning for the loss of children. When Mayega joined, the mortality rate dropped.
“The department was well known for not generating any income for the hospital,” Mayega said. “It is now recognised for its tremendous efforts.”
UCU journey When the UCU SoM started in 2018, Dr. Edward Kanyesigye (the first Dean) sought to leverage on the experts of the hospital to champion a holistic education for the students – a goal he achieved. Mayega was among the experts who invented her own style of passing knowledge. She highlighted the course’s rich communal transformation in a unit called Maternal and Child Health, which requires students to go into communities and learn about a child.
In one of his engagements, the UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, highlighted the need of academic staff to advance their careers by pursuing PhDs that would help them to get grounded in research, partnerships and grants.
This statement is an affirmation of Mayega’s aspirations.
“I want to advance for my PhD to get grounded in the area of research to add onto the literature around Paediatrics in the country,” she said.
Her continuous encouragement and influence for further studies has led two of her subordinates at the hospital to pursue their Masters in Paediatrics. After them succeeding, she could have time to focus on research and hospital supervision.
Background Mayega is married to Dr. Roy William Mayega, a medical doctor and a senior lecturer at Makerere University School of Public Health. The couple, married for 15 years, has four children.
Mayega is the last born of four children of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Baptist Buyisi.
Mengo is the first hospital in Uganda, established by a missionary and physician Dr. Sir. Albert Cook with his wife who belonged to the Church Missionary Society in 1897; Mengo is owned by the Anglican Church.
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Uganda Christian University has many stories like this one. To support programs, students, activities, and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.
By Pauline Luba Joshua Muwanguzi had never dreamed of pursuing higher education. Passing through primary and secondary education in Uganda had been a struggle for him. Since he knew well the financial capacity of his parents – who were ministers in church – he didn’t know whether he would be able to complete university.
But God had other plans.
And it was part of those plans that Muwanguzi found himself applying for university education. He had initially dreamed of studying other courses, but fate made him have a change of mind.
“I wanted to pursue a course in architecture or engineering, but the opportunity at Uganda Christian University (UCU) was one I couldn’t afford to miss,” Muwanguzi said during an interview he granted Partners in early January.
UCU had admitted him for a Bachelor of Business Administration course. The next immediate challenge was where the resources to meet the financial demands of the course would come from. It was then that a friend of his parents, inspired by their (his parents’) ministry work, introduced him to UCU Partners — where he could seek out a scholarship opportunity. Muwanguzi’s request was successful and, today, the 31-year-old is an accountant.
Before Muwanguzi joined UCU, he was spending his holidays selling jackfruit and working to support his mother’s restaurant business in Jinja, a district in eastern Uganda. Born into a family of four children, Muwanguzi is the second child of Julius and Margaret Muwanguzi, both church ministers dedicated to their community and faith.
Joshua, as a facilitator at the Aspiring Leaders Forum in Wellington, New Zealand shaping a brighter future, one leader at a time.
From a young age, Muwanguzi’s parents imparted in their son virtues of integrity and hard work. They did not serve only as spiritual guides, but also as administrators for an orphanage, setting an example of leadership and compassion.
“My parents didn’t just talk about faith; they lived it,” Muwanguzi recalls. “They taught us that integrity isn’t just what you do when people are watching — it’s what you do when they aren’t.”
During his time at UCU, Muwanguzi thrived both academically and as a leader. He joined the Honors College – a leadership development program for the top undergraduate students at UCU – where he was paired with the Vice Chancellor at the time, as his mentor.
“Dr. John Senyonyi didn’t just guide me in leadership; he taught me how to carry myself with grace, even in failure.”
Although Muwanguzi once unsuccessfully ran for the office of guild president, he continued to lead initiatives like the entrepreneurship club at the university and developed thick skin against challenges.
After graduating in 2016, he embarked on a career that showcased his versatility and ambition. His first role was with African Queen, a marketing company in Uganda. While this wasn’t directly related to his degree, it was an invaluable experience that taught him adaptability. He later transitioned to BDO, an international accounting firm, where he worked in auditing and pursued a chartered accountant qualification.
It was during his time at BDO that Muwanguzi teamed up with like-minded young professionals who shared his vision for socioeconomic development in Uganda. Together, they prayed, planned, and eventually founded Dream Solutions, a startup focused on empowering entrepreneurs. Around the same time, he met his wife, Pamela, a tech-savvy entrepreneur from New Zealand. Their marriage brought new dimensions to his life and career.
In 2019, Muwanguzi made a bold decision to resign from his job to focus on building Dream Solutions. “We ended up consulting and training organizations like BDO, which I had quit. What started as a small idea has turned into something much bigger.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global economies, Muwanguzi and Pamela relocated to New Zealand, taking advantage of a special visa for returning citizens’ partners. There, they continued to expand Dream Solutions while raising their two daughters. Joshua also found opportunities to consult for businesses in New Zealand, combining his financial expertise with entrepreneurial spirit. He begun consulting for his wife’s family-owned farm and honey business.
“One thing I’ve learned is that leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about service. Whether I’m coaching startups or raising my daughters, it’s always about giving my best to others,” he says.
Muwanguzi envisions a future where Dream Solutions is a global hub for empowering entrepreneurs. With operations in Uganda and New Zealand, the company aims to foster socioeconomic development and create sustainable solutions for businesses worldwide. “Our goal isn’t just to succeed; it’s to help others succeed alongside us,” he emphasizes.
For Muwanguzi, the scholarship from UCU Partners was more than financial aid; it was a lifeline. It bridged the gap between a boy selling jackfruit on the streets of Jinja and a man building a legacy of impact. “UCU Partners didn’t just sponsor my education; they gave me a chance to dream bigger than I ever thought possible.”
To support Uganda Christian University programs, students, activities and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.
By Pauline Luba As a primary five pupil at St. Eugene Primary School in Uganda, Ivan Emmanuel Mwiima desired to be his school’s timekeeper. However, he was too shy to express his interest to fellow students. That failure haunted Mwiima for many years to come, and he kept looking for solutions to his challenge.
Luckily, there were options readily available for him. He went on a search for opportunities that he believed would improve his confidence levels. “I tried everything — sports, poetry, peer counseling. Each experience taught me that I could be greater, and it motivated me to train and develop myself,” Mwiima said during an interview he granted Partners in December 2024.
And sooner than he could realize, his classmates started to take notice of his approachable demeanor, wit, and ability to bring people together — qualities that eventually earned him a class leader role at Uganda Christian University (UCU).
“My classmates at UCU Kampala Campus said I was dependable and fun to be with. That encouragement pushed me to always aim higher. Their belief in me fueled my determination to serve.”
The belief that Mwiima’s classmates had in him gave him the confidence that he could win
When friends suggested he contests for the position of Guild President, UCU Kampala Campus, Mwiima hesitated. The notion of a second-year student taking on such a prestigious role was virtually unheard of in the school. However, their faith in him proved infectious to him.
“I didn’t think I could win. I had never competed in anything like this before. But having failed many times in life, I wasn’t afraid of losing. I just wanted to try.”
Against all odds, Mwiima not only secured the nomination but also triumphed over his opponent. “The win was a shock,” he says, adding: “It showed me the students believed in my vision.”
“During the rally, I expected a small crowd, but students showed up in large numbers. That day, I realized the impact of having a good character. People I had never spoken to before came to show their support. It was humbling.”
Following the campaigns, in November 2024, Mwiima beat Aaron Arinda to the position.
One of the toughest challenges Mwiima has faced since taking over office has been selecting his team to run student government. “Imagine choosing just a few people from the 700 who voted for you and those who worked tirelessly alongside you,” he explains. “It’s not easy, but I’ve learned to communicate openly and stay true to the principles of service and fairness.”
Mwiima’s leadership style is rooted in collaboration and innovation, with a clear focus on improving student welfare. His slogan, Empowering Minds, Enriching Lives, reflects his desire to create a campus environment where every student thrives.
Key priorities during his tenure include addressing security concerns, expanding library furniture, and fostering constant communication with the university administration. Mwiima also envisions a campus where talent and academics intersect. “Thenew guild government is launching essay competitions with cash prizes, promoting inter-university sports, and creating platforms for students to showcase their talents. Everyone has something unique to offer,” he says passionately.
Balancing the demands of leadership and academics might seem daunting, but for Mwiima, passion makes all the difference. “When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work,” he says. “I’ve learned to integrate my responsibilities into my daily routine, like preparing reports during breaks. Leadership, for me, is a form of leisure.”
Outside his official duties, Mwiima enjoys writing poetry, singing in the choir, and watching motivational videos.
Mwiima’s dream is to leave behind a legacy of servant leadership — service beyond self. “I want students to remember me as someone who gave his all to make their lives better,” he says. His story, rooted in resilience and faith, reminds us all that leadership isn’t about position but about purpose and passion.
To support Uganda Christian University programs, students, activities and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.
New Guild President Samantha Akankunda Mwesigye with UCU Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi.
By Irene Best Nyapendi In 2024, when the electoral body at Uganda Christian University (UCU) called for people to express interest in the institution’s Guild President position, Samantha Akankunda Mwesigye was among those who came forth.
To many, this was no surprise, given Mwesigye’s known interest in politics. In the eventual elections, their faith in the 23-year-old was confirmed when she trounced her opponent, Abaasa Lynn, garnering 62% of the votes.
The campaigns were familiar terrain for Mwesigye, who has in the past battled similar challenges. As early as primary school, Mwesigye found herself in a spot where she had to go through campaigns in order to be elected the head prefect – the top most leader position for learners in primary schools in Uganda. She was studying at Kampala Parents School.
On November 26, 2024, she was sworn in as the 27th Guild President of UCU main campus in Mukono. Mwesigye said she went into the race to fulfill what she explained as a “calling.”
The 27th guild government with the university Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi (center (blue suit) and Mr. David Mugawe (extreme left, front)
“I stood for the presidency because I believe that God was calling me to lead the student body of UCU,” she said in Nkoyoyo Hall, during the swearing-in ceremony held during the last community worship service of the Advent semester.
Mwesigye’s parents – Fred and Enid Mwesigye – were present at the function to witness their daughter take up the leadership position. Ten years ago, when Mwesigye was swearing in as head prefect at Kampala Parents School, again, her parents were present to show solidarity with their daughter. Mr. Mwesigye is Uganda’s ambassador to Tanzania.
“If God is for you, who can be against you?” she said, quoting Romans 8:31, during her victory speech. Mwesigye, a third-year law student at UCU, expressed her gratitude to God and her team for their support.
She said she is passionate about service, and helping the vulnerable, which also explains her choice of course: “I pursued law so that I can be an advocate for others.”
She admitted that going by the support she got during the campaigns, her victory was just a matter of when, and not if.
“My team and I are committed to serving the students. Together, we will achieve great things,” she told a fully-packed Nkoyoyo Hall.
Mwesigye’s platform hinges on four key areas – tuition, security, student life and accountability.
Mwesigye acknowledged that many students face challenges with paying full tuition fees on time. While she did not promise to change the tuition policy at UCU, she vowed to ensure that the guild fund has readily available funds for tuition top-ups.
To achieve this, she plans to seek an increment in the guild fund’s allocation for tuition support.
She also pledged to lobby for the installation of cameras in halls of residence, in order to provide additional protection to students.
“Transparency and accountability are essential in any leadership position,” Mwesigye said. “I also plan to meet with students at least twice a semester, to share with them our progress (on the implementation of the platform, and to also listen to their concerns.”
UCU Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi encouraged the new leaders to aim for transformational change, urging them to focus on making a meaningful impact within the university community.
“Leadership is a calling from God for a reason and a season,” he reminded the newly sworn-in leaders.
Mr. Mwesigye, said his daughter has brought joy and excitement to their family.
“As her parents, we are proud of Samantha and we trust she will do great things for UCU,” he said.
As she grew up, she excelled academically, earning a spot at King’s College London (KCL).
“She studied at KCL for one year and later surprised us by refusing to continue as she did not want to be detached from Africa and Uganda,” Mr. Mwesigye said.
She wanted to stay connected to her roots and to make a difference in her community.
According to Mr. Mwesigye, his daughter has a big heart and loves helping others.
Recently, she helped a classmate of hers who was involved in an accident by raising about 2 million UGX. She also lobbied to help out a friend who had tuition challenges.
From November 2023 to April 2024, Mwesigye represented UCU in the John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition in Kenya. The moot competition was inspired by the dispute resolution system of the World Trade Organization. She is also a co-founder of Afrika’s Future Leaders, a student-led society aimed at transforming the mindset of African youths through thought-provoking discussions.
To support Uganda Christian University programs, students, activities and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.
Anglican Youth Fellowship poses during one stop in the United States.
By Patty Huston-Holm The Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF) making 40 years in 2024 has musical albums with original songs, scripture-based testimonies and thousands of travel miles to places within the United States and Europe.
Today, the 35 members aren’t necessarily young, and they are quick to say the “youth” mission part is not as it once was. It’s about others of all ages.
According to the AYF website (ayfband.org), the mission is to “preach the gospel of the saving power of Jesus Christ through music and testimony to all peoples of different tribes and nations.” AYF was initiated to add some excitement to worship for youth leaving the Anglican church because services were “too dull.”
A quick visit to the AYF YouTube channel, including this short clip from seven years ago, verifies the purpose and enthusiasm with instrumental and vocal music interspersed with biblical scriptures and declaration of Christian faith journeys. Some members are affiliated with Uganda Christian University (UCU).
AYF member Doreen K. Serunjogi, is seated in her role as UCU Assistant Registrar on the Mukono campus, with Mbone Brenda, an international work study student from Kenya.
“We are youthful in Christ,” said Doreen Kibuuka Serunjogi, UCU assistant registrar and an AYF member since 2008. “We are all from different professional walks of life, for example, doctors, lawyers, teachers and parents who sometimes now bring our children.”
“We show the love of Christ through music,” said Mary Chowenhill, an American and AYF affiliate now living in Florida. Most, like Mary, are not professional musicians.
In eight years and interspersed with her work at UCU, Doreen meets and practices with the group on weekends. In addition to Uganda, she has been part of AYF engagement with churches and schools in the USA, Egypt, Rwanda, Burundi and the United Kingdom. Like other AYF members, she is a self-funded volunteer.
“Our payment comes from God,” said Doreen, who has bachelor and master degrees, respectively, in development and business.
Through AYF, Doreen shares her testimony about difficulties with conceiving a childand about the people who prayed for her in a desperate and downtrodden time as they do now. Through AYF, she was “pushed to work and learn skills in a Godly way,” realizing that if she felt she had a life that she didn’t deserve, “God determined it otherwise.”
“My life would have been different if not in Christ,” said Doreen, now the mom of a young boy. “I attribute my abilities to a strong relationship with God with gratefulness for friends I can speak to when I’m stuck.”
There are many AYF supporters and members. Among them are Andrew Lumbuye, team leader with a background that includes HR; and Dr. Abraham Owino, an AYF founder and a retired lecturer at Makerere University.
Doreen credits members as well as others for the organization’s Christ-follower witness. Those she denotes as mentors include Rev. Prof. John. M. Kitayimbwa, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs; Rev. Rebecca Margaret Nyegenye, an Anglican priest and former UCU chaplain; and the Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, former vice chancellor at UCU. Other supporters are the Rev. Amos Kimera, a former UCU chaplain now at Peter’s Anglican Church of Uganda, in Boston, Mass.; the Rev. Alan Saunders at the parish of St. Peter’s Halliwell, diocese of Manchester, England; and the Rev. Dr. Stephen Noll, the first UCU Vice Chancellor, now living in Pennsylvania, USA.
Mary Chowenhill (second from left, seated) is an AYF member and Uganda Partners supporter living in Florida, USA.
AYF’s visits are invitation based, largely by churches. Recent United States visits were in the states of Florida, Virginia and Massachusetts.
“While we speak multiple languages in Uganda, our ministry is purely in English,” Doreen said. “We choose songs according to a theme and verses determined by our host site. Most programs are 30 minutes, but we fit into the time requested.”
Testimonies and music are 100% and 90% original, respectively. Some are shared in a “street ministry.” Delivery style varies based on geographic location with African audiences generally wanting livelier presentations.
“We learn a lot about culture when traveling,” Doreen said. One example is that as “strangers” in Western countries, it isn’t appropriate to pick up a crying baby without parent permission – something totally acceptable in Uganda.
AYF doesn’t seek funding but accepts donations, including lodging while traveling.
“For me, I appreciate UCU for the morals and the environment that enable me to fit into AYF,” Doreen said.
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Uganda Christian University has many positive stories like this one. To support programs, students, activities, and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.
Samantha receiving the civil society award in Dubai
By Pauline Luba Freza Nanotech, an invention that could be a game changer for Uganda’s small-scale farmers, has won an innovation award of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome for pioneering fruit preservation technology. The innovation also won the prestigious Civil Society Award at the 2024 Dubai Solutions Summit.
The awards recognize the company’s innovative fruit shelving technology that leverages nanotechnology to combat post-harvest losses. In a world struggling with food security challenges, the innovation, which preserves fruits and vegetables by releasing a safe organic formulation extending shelf life by 30 days, offers hope and demonstrates the power of homegrown solutions.
Gift Arnold Mugisha, the Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of Freza Nanotech, highlighted the significance of the recognition: “This award not only acknowledges our commitment, but also symbolizes how innovative technological solutions can address global challenges, especially in food security and sustainability.”
The innovation that took Mugisha and his co-founder, Samantha Ainembabazi, two years to develop extends the freshness of fruits and vegetables, allowing farmers to access better markets and reduce waste.
Mugisha receiving the FAO award
The Prototypes for Humanity; Dubai Future Solutions is renowned for showcasing transformative innovations designed to advance sustainable development worldwide. For Freza Nanotech, clinching the Civil Society Award validates their work and opens up opportunities to scale their innovation to more farmers and markets globally. Their fruit shelving technology has already reached over 150 farmers in Uganda, with tangible results in reducing waste and increasing profitability.
“This recognition is a testament to the difference our technology is making,” said Ainembabazi, a fresh UCU graduate of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. She is aspiring to start a medical internship, a mandatory requirement, for all medical graduates in Uganda before they dive into practice.
“We are thrilled that our efforts to empower farmers and improve food security are being celebrated on such a global platform,” Ainembabazi noted.
Freza Nanotech’s core mission stems from addressing the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Uganda, where agriculture employs over 70% of the population, but suffers from significant post-harvest losses.
By preserving produce, Freza Nanotech’s technology contributes to reducing the environmental burden of food loss while supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, including those on hunger, economic growth, and climate action.
“Efforts like these demonstrate that agrifood systems can be both productive and sustainable, contributing to better nutrition and improved livelihoods in Uganda and beyond,” said QU Dongyu, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), during the awards ceremony that took place last month at FAO’s headquarters in Rome, on the sidelines of the 176th session of the FAO council.
Freza Nanotech’s journey to the summit was not without challenges, as they competed against some of the most innovative solutions globally. Their triumph is a testament to the resilience and vision of the team, whose work is now sparking interest from investors, development agencies, and innovators alike.
Backed by their recent recognition, the company aims to expand its reach and adapt the technology for other agricultural products. For Uganda, this milestone inspires future innovators to tackle pressing challenges with bold, creative solutions.
Freza Nanotech’s success is more than just a win for the startup — it’s a victory for Ugandan innovation and a step toward a future where local solutions address global issues.
To support Uganda Christian University programs, students, activities and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.
Bishop Zoreka and his wife handing over a bible to President Museveni
Dan Zoreka was the secondBishop of Kinkiizi Anglican Diocese, in southwestern Uganda. He hasbeen the prelate of the diocese for the past 14 years. Recently, our writer, Kefa Senoga, travelled to the diocese and had a chat with the alumnus of Uganda Christian University.
Bishop Dan Zoreka of Kinkiizi Anglican Diocese in Uganda never expected to serve the Lord as a cleric. Throughout his childhood, he admired doctors and wanted to be one. However, financial challenges forced him to change career direction.
In 1977, Zoreka sat his Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), where he earned a First Grade, and an admission into Mbarara High School. However, he could not afford the school fees. He thus had to repeat Primary Seven as he looked for money for his tuition in Senior One. At the time, one was not eligible for admission into Senior One using results more than a year old.
The following year, Zoreka again passed his PLE exams, earning admission into Nyakasura School. Again, he failed to join the school because of lack of tuition.
Zoreka had been paying his own school fees from Primary Three. He says his father was a polygamous man with six wives, so he could not afford fees for all his children.
“I used to vend banana fiber every Friday. I would sell them to the butchers. It is from that money that I would pay my school fees,” Zoreka explained during an interview he granted Uganda Partners at his diocese in southwestern Uganda.
As a result of the failure to meet the financial requirements for secondary school study, he said he even considered giving up on education.
Bishop Zoreka and his wife
“But in 1979, I decided to repeat for the third time. That’s when my class teacher advised me to opt for teacher training colleges, which offered free education.”
He thus enrolled at St. Augustine’s Teacher Training College in western Ugandato pursue a teaching certificate course. For the four yearshe studied the course, he returned home only once. Despite studying the course on a bursary, Zoreka needed extra money for upkeep. He thus did menial jobs at the school, and in the community, from which he earned a wage.
“I did work such as cleaning the school compound and harvesting tea in the community; I was a well-known casual laborer in the area.”
After completing his course, Zoreka was employed by the government of Uganda in 1985 as a teacher, but he spent a year without receiving salary. That was the time the country was facing civil strife; hence many public servants were not receiving their salaries.
In 1986, Zoreka was tempted to switch professions. The government was recruiting soldiers, so Zoreka applied to train as one.
“I registered my name and we were instructed to return the next morning at 6:00 a.m. to be transported to another district where the training was to take place. Unfortunately, I drank too much alcohol that night and overslept. By the time I woke up, the team had already left,” he recalls.
In 1987, Bishop Zoreka made another attempt to join the security forces, this time the Uganda Police. However, after presenting his academic certificates, the recruiting officer informed him that the government needed teachers more, so they couldn’t allow him to join the Police.
Still, Zoreka left teaching and started to work as a lumberjack, a job he did for a year, before returning to teaching.
In 1989, when a call for lay readers was announced in their diocese, Zoreka’s mother, a staunch Christian, pressured him to enroll for the course. Though it was against his wishes, he did it to honor his mother’s desire. A lay reader is a person licensed by a bishop to conduct religious services other than the Eucharist.
“I felt like there was no life in the church at the time. I enjoyed nights of dancing, discos, and drinking alcohol,” Zoreka says.
“Even as I sat the interview, I had three cigarettes in my pockets; just the night before, I had spent the evening at the bar drinking. I arrived at the interview with a hangover. If I had been thoroughly checked, probably I would have been disqualified.”
And even after admission, his bad habits followed him. “We would sneak out of the dormitory during our training, to look for alcohol in a nearby town. It was only by God’s grace that we were not caught.”
Bishop Zoreka with the writer, Kefa Senoga
In 1990, Zoreka gave his life to Christ, completely turning his back to smoking and drinking alcohol. He thus became a deacon in 1998 and a priest in 1999.
Upon being ordained a deacon, Zoreka was posted to the cathedral/diocesan headquarters as a curate. Following his priesting in 1999, the bishop at the time, John Ntegyerize, assigned him to the Nyarugunda Parish in Kinkiizi diocese, southwestern Uganda, where he served for one year as the parish priest. It was during his time there that he met Florah Arinaitwe, whom he married the following year.
“We got married on Wednesday August 30, and I reported to UCU to pursue a degree course the following week, on Monday, with my wife.”
At UCU, there was a designated area for married theology students. Unfortunately, when he arrived, all the houses were already occupied.
As a result, Zoreka and his wife occupied the garage of the Rev. Prof Olivia Nasaka Bbanja, who was a lecturer at the Bishop Tucker Theological College at the time. Banja is now the Vice Chancellor of Ndejje University. The garage was the couple’s honeymoon venue, after which Florah returned to their home in Kanungu.
Zoreka served the church in various capacities, eventually being elected the secondBishop of Kinkiizi Anglican Diocese in 2015. He hopes to retire from active service in two years. Anglican bishops in Uganda retire from service when they clock 65 years.
As a bishop, Zoreka has earned a reputation as a developmental leader. The Rev. Bob Mbabazi, the head of communications at Kinkiizi Diocese, said the bishop has focused on building and enhancing infrastructure for various church projects, such as the clergy residence, schools, hospitals, and commercial buildings, including one in Kampala city.
According to Mbabazi, the bishop has lobbied for partnerships with various stakeholders, including Compassion International, which has established six child development centers across the diocese, all overseen by the church.
Florah and Zoreka have four children — the firstborn, is pursuing a degree course at UCU and the second born, is in secondary school at Mengo SS. The third born, is in Primary Four while the youngest, is in Primary Three, at Kabale Primary School.
To support Uganda Christian University programs, students, activities and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.
By Kefa Senoga The new Guild President of Bishop Barham University College (BBUC), a constituent college of Uganda Christian University (UCU), is a lucky man.
Take for instance what happened to him when he was in Primary Three. The family had made a decision that Usher Bennets Lewis drops out of school. Their justification was that there was no money to pay Bennet’s school fees. However, he was lucky enough that that decision did not come to pass. His aunt took him from his village district of Rukungiri in western Uganda to Kampala, in central Uganda, to continue with his studies at Joy Primary School in Kitintale. It is at this school where he completed his primary education.
At the time, it was Lewis’ grandmother, a peasant, who had been meeting his school requirements. Born in 1999, Lewis did not have the opportunity to stay long enough with his parents. They both died before he began school.
Lewis’s campaign poster
The decision of Lewis’ aunt to take him to study in Kampala, has in enabled BBUC to have him as their Guild President for the 2024-2025 term. The 25-year-old recently won a contest for the next Guild President of BBUC, beating his closest challenger, Derrick Akampa, by a slim margin of 14 votes.
Just as the rest of Lewis’ education journey has been, completion of his campaigns for the university’s top student leadership position was nothing short of a miracle. During his campaigns, Lewis notes that one of the major challenges his team faced was the lack of financial resources.
“Compared to my opponents, I lacked the resources; all I could offer my supporters were ideas. I was campaigning on foot, whereas my opponents had cars and motorcades,” explains Lewis, who says he developed a liking for UCU when he was still in primary school.
He is currently pursuing a degree in Social Work and Social Administration. Those who have been close to Lewis know that a life of financial hardships is not anything new to him. Even in the university, he has experienced financial challenges, particularly when he first joined. However, he was able to work hard and mobilize resources, part of which he has used to meet his obligation for tuition, rent, and other necessities.
Now that Lewis has assumed office, his main goal, he says, is to work closely with the administration, to enhance the university’s academic growth. Additionally, he commits to advocating improved security to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.
Despite having minimal resources throughout his educational journey, Lewis has never shied away from pursuing leadership positions at school. And he prays that even after school, he is able to pursue higher political positions.
From his early school days in both primary and secondary school, Lewis has been a student leader, taking up positions such as head monitor, health prefect, entertainment prefect, and assistant head prefect.
He attended O’level at Blessed Parents High School, and A’level at Kyamakanda Secondary School. Both schools are in western Uganda. In order to be able to meet the financial needs at school, Lewis says he took up several odd jobs, within the community where he lived. He did these things knowing full well that luck is not chance, it’s a toil.
“I grew up working on people’s farms, often seeking opportunities to look after their cattle in exchange for food and a little money, which I used for my school fees.”
To support Uganda Christian University programs, students, activities and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.
By Kefa Senoga What does it mean to apply for university education in the USA? What processes are involved in the application? These and more are some of the questions that Tom Deans, a Professor of English and the Director of the Writing Centre of the University of Connecticut (UConn), had to answer recently as he addressed students, staff, and alumni of Uganda Christian University (UCU).
The late November talk, delivered in the Principal’s Hall at the Main Campus was intended to guide possible applicants for particularly US scholarships on how to navigate the systems and procedures.
Prof Tom Deans with the UCU community that attended his session
According to Deans, applying for an undergraduate degree in the U.S. is relatively straightforward, as there is typically a single set of admission requirements. In contrast, graduate applications can be more complex because students usually apply directly to departments or schools within a university, depending on the program’s structure.
“Even within the same institution, admissions and funding processes may differ by department or school at the graduate level,” he said during that talk that was organized by the UCU Writing Centre.
The writing center, opened on October 20, 2022, was set up under the guidance of Deans, who was a Fulbright U.S. Scholar to Uganda at the time, on a teaching and research award. The center was set up to help students improve their writing skills.
Undergraduate applicants, Deans explained, generally follow a uniform process: They complete the same application form, submit their high school transcripts, write a general essay, and take standardized tests, regardless of their intended field of study. In contrast, graduate programs often have unique requirements for each department or school. This means applicants must customize their application to align with the specific expectations and criteria of their chosen program.
Using the example of applying for graduate studies in law and medicine at most universities in the U.S., Deans noted that one uses the standard process articulated on the webpage of the schools or departments that they are applying to.
He, however, explained that when applying for programs in the category of sciences or engineering, the process often involves identifying a lab or professor whose research aligns with the interests of the applicants.
“You would reach out to them for potential sponsorship, and admission to the program typically depends on securing their approval and support.”
He further explained that in many graduate programs for sciences and engineering, especially for research degrees like Ph.D., students don’t just apply to the university, they need to find a professor (often called a principal investigator) who will supervise their work and possibly fund their research through grants. Professors often run labs and have specific research projects, so they look for students whose skills and interests match their needs.
Many departments in USA universities have people who are in charge of graduate studies. Such people are often an invaluable point of contact for guidance during the application process.
“You can email or set up a Zoom call with them and they will respond because it’s their job to respond,” Deans said.
For graduate students, the admissions process often coincides with applying for funding. “When submitting your application, look for an option to indicate your interest in funding; selecting this option allows you to be considered for opportunities, such as a graduate assistantship, teaching assistantship, or, in some institutions, a fellowship,” Deans said.
Graduate Assistantship is a type of financial and professional support offered to graduate students, typically in exchange for part-time work at a university while Teaching Assistantship is a role offered to graduate students and sometimes upper-level undergraduates in which they assist faculty members with teaching-related responsibilities.
According to Deans, securing external funding can significantly improve an applicant’s chances of being accepted by institutions. Opportunities like the Fulbright Program scholarship, while highly competitive and with strict eligibility criteria, are excellent options. If awarded, such opportunities provide generous funding, making American universities more likely to offer admission since one comes in with financial support.
However, he advocates consulting with key stakeholders, such as alumni, professors, and other academic professionals, as they can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the application process.
On why there are more funding opportunities for PhD programs than for master’s, Deans said: “Ph.D. programs help universities build their reputation, and these institutions assume that people may struggle to afford Ph.D. programs, whereas many can afford the cost of a master’s program.”
Richard Ranger, a missionary lecturer in Business and Law at Uganda Christian University (UCU) and an alumnus of Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, emphasized during the session that university and departmental websites serve as crucial sources of authentic information. He highlighted the importance of utilizing them because they are more reliable and are updated.
Lwanga Huzaifa, a former student of UCU, acknowledged that graduate studies can be quite costly, making the opportunity to study on a scholarship highly desirable for him.
To support Uganda Christian University programs, students, activities and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.
By Pauline Luba The General Medical Council (GMC) of the United Kingdom has officially recognized the Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) of Uganda Christian University. The development, which follows a comprehensive assessment and evaluation process, paves the way for the institution’s medical graduates to pursue further careers in the UK and beyond, without many hurdles. The news of the recognition came to light in November 2024.
In addition to regulating medical education and healthcare professionals, GMC also oversees the medical register and ensures that doctors possess the training, the expertise and the experience needed to practice safely and effectively.
The certification means that graduates of UCU can now sit for the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) exams, a mandatory gateway for international doctors hoping to practice in the UK. The PLAB test is a requirement for doctors from outside of the UK, EU, and Switzerland. The test is intended to ensure that the student has the same clinical knowledge and skills as a UK doctor starting their second year of the Foundation Programme.
Last year, Uganda Christian University (UCU) celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of the pioneer students of its School of Medicine. The students were drawn from the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, and Bachelor of Dental Surgery.
Dr. Gerald Tumusiime, the Dean of the UCU School of Medicine, said graduates from the UCU School of Medicine who wish to practice in the UK can now take the required exams. And that when they pass the exams, they are eligible to receive a permit to practice medicine.
According to Tumusiime, PLAB examinations are separated into two parts: a written exam that tests medical knowledge with multiple-choice questions, and a practical exam that evaluates a candidate’s clinical skills and the ability to interact with patients in simulated situations. He points out that both tests cover basic sciences and clinical sciences.
Before an institution is accredited by the GMC, an evaluation process is carried out to determine its eligibility. “When they assessed our curriculum, they found that it meets the requirements for accreditation,” Tumusiime explained.
He noted that the GMC also places emphasis on clock hours, which refers to the required time students must dedicate to each course unit or subject. “The fact that we meet the recommended hours confirms that we give students enough content matter for the course.”
Dr. Tumusiime further explains that they also evaluate students’ exposure to patients, to assess and understand their experience with patients.
Sharon Pearl Kisaakye, one of the students in the UCU School of Medicine, said: “For someone like me who dreams of gaining international experience in medicine, the accreditation opens doors to a world of opportunities for training and employment in some of the best healthcare systems.”
Joseph Kali, a student in the School of Medicine, said: “This accreditation broadens the scope of learning, allowing our students to engage with world leaders in medicine. It also gives them the tools to return and implement new perspectives, attract grants, and contribute to Uganda’s healthcare system.”
UCU is currently also undergoing evaluation by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates of the United States. Certification will allow UCU graduates to sit for the United States Medical Licensing Examinations, and those who pass may have the opportunity to practice in the USA.
To support Uganda Christian University programs, students, activities and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.
The Chairperson of the Council of UCU Mbale University College, Rt. Rev. Bishop Samuel George Bogere, presents the Best Student Award to Sharon Evelyne Abeja, during the graduation at Mbale University College. Right is UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi
By Irene Best Nyapendi By eight years, Sharon Evelyne Abeja was already living a life of a responsible adult. At that age, she was aware that she had to wake up early enough to prepare her younger brother for school, as well as prepare porridge for her three-month-old sister. All this was in addition to preparing herself for school.
As Abeja and her younger brother headed to the school, they would leave their three-month-old baby with their neighbor. At lunchtime, Abeja had to take her younger brother home and prepare a meal for him, before rushing back to school. At that time, her mother had been taken ill and her father was at work.
And Abeja’s classmates, having discovered her challenges, did not spare her from words of scorn: “Look, there goes the daughter of the mad woman,” her classmates often mocked her.
Sharon Evelyne Abeja with her awards
Abeja’s mother developed mental illness soon after giving birth to their younger sister. And she has lived with that condition for 15 years. Occasionally, her condition improves, especially if she adheres to the medication prescribed for her. For the times when she does not, she relapses. And because of that, Abeja has carried the burden of being a mother to her mother, as well as the rest of her siblings. It is not uncommon to find Abeja moving with her mother to hospital.
The condition of Abeja’s mother worsened in 2019 when their father married another wife. Seeing her mother go through life’s challenges because of her medical condition, Abeja said when she completed Senior Six, she had only one course in mind at the university – social work. That explains her choice of Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration which she pursued at Uganda Christian University (UCU).
That journey at UCU ended on November 29, when Abeja was awarded the Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration at the UCU Mbale University College. Abeja was also announced the graduate with the highest marks. According to Abeja, she knew she was a high performer, and she also knew she had earned a First Class degree. However, what she could not have imagined was that her marks — a Grade Point Average of 4.71 out of 5.0 — were the best among the people graduating that day.
According to Abeja, her determination and the discipline in managing time helped her succeed. She had a routine that allowed her to balance her studies with other extra-curricular activities that were conducted in the university.
When Abeja chose to study at UCU, she purposed to not only benefit from studies, but also the strong Christian foundation in which the institution is rooted. However, she says getting acclimated to the university environment was tough. For instance, she says when she arrived at the university, she soon discovered the social gulf that existed between her and the rest of the students. Abeja said she reported to university with old clothes and only one pair of shoes. Because of that, she says, she often felt out of place. However, she repeatedly consoled herself: “One day, I will wear something new.”
After her first year at UCU, her father’s job contract ended, leaving the family without an income. She thus had to take up part-time jobs during holidays, such as farming, working as a shop attendant, and even making snacks to sell to school-going children.
She says she worked so hard but earned so little, which felt overwhelming. But she did not give up. During her first semester in her second year, Abeja discovered a scholarship opportunity at an organization where she was a volunteer. She applied for it and was fortunate enough to get the scholarship.
Throughout her time at UCU, she lived with relatives because she could not afford the hostel fees at the university. Now that she has graduated, Abeja aims to contribute to a more compassionate society and be able to address pressing issues like poverty, inequality, and mental health challenges.
School Abeja attended Kumi Township Primary School before switching to Auruku Ominai Primary School due to her mother’s illness. She then joined Sun City Primary School in Soroti and eventually wrote her Primary Leaving Examinations at Emmanuel Christian Nursery and Primary School. She studied secondary education at Ngora High School, where she joined UCU.
To support Uganda Christian University programs, students, activities and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.
Daniel Edotu, Uganda Partners-sponsored student studying law at Uganda Christian University, poses on the Mukono campus.
(Last of four parts – Daniel’s perspective)
By Christine Mirembe
Born on July 7, 1998, in Soroti District, Okudai Village, to Olila Thomas and the late Akiteng Joyce, Daniel Edotu is the first born of nine children. Emerging from a humble background, his family was among the poorest in the village, raising mockery from the community. The parents had a daily prayer – to have some of their children acquire education sponsorship.
Due to financial constraints, Daniel became an “academic tourist,” moving from school to school during his primary education. From Lalle Primary School for primary one and two to Olong Primary School for level three.
“Affording meals, buying washing soap and smearing oil (for skin care) was all a challenge while at school,” Daniel, now age 26, said. “At times I used to survive on raw mangoes for lunch.”
It is at this point – when Daniel was approaching age nine – that his parents’ long-term prayer was answered. He went to Nakatunya Primary School in the western division of Soroti under Compassion International, a child sponsorship organization. They work to release children from poverty by meeting their immediate and long-term needs in partnership with Christian churches.
Map (in red) showing where Daniel Edotu was born
Compassion, a non-profit started in 1952, came to Soroti to partner with a Baptist church to sponsor economically disadvantaged children. With the help of his uncle and father, Daniel was successfully registered among those children under the Compassion program. They got tuition and mattresses, vaseline, soap and scholastic materials, among other necessities.
While under Compassion, students and sponsors exchanged letters. For Daniel, the exchange was with a Virginia, USA, couple, David and Linda Bassert.
“I used to write about the Ugandan weather, whatever I learned in school and Bible verses,” said Daniel, who is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in law at Uganda Christian University (UCU) with the Bassert’s sponsorship through the Uganda Partners NGO.
“God willing,” Daniel said of his future, he hopes to graduate in 2025 and thereafter join the Law Development Centre (LDC) for another year before being a practicing attorney.
It was growing up in a community filled with injustice and having no voice regarding positive change that influenced Daniel to pursue law. He wants to give back by being a voice to the voiceless, especially for marginalized groups like children and women.
Daniel says that his Christian walk has been a door opener to every step in his life and that he would not have been part of Compassion if it was not for church. He credits his humility to his strong Christian family background and being nurtured in Christ both at home and school.
His guiding scripture is Philippians 4:13 that says, ”I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Daniel says meeting the Basserts for the first time in October 2024 was an emotional and crucial moment of his life as the couple helped rekindle his future plans.
“Their coming was well timed; they came at a time I needed someone to be there for me – to strengthen and encourage me,” he said. “It meant a lot. I am grateful.”
He also appreciates Uganda Partners for holding his hand after graduating from the Compassion program as he has never missed out on tuition clearance. He thanks many people who are always there for him and above all, God for bringing him this far.
“No one has graduated from my village, so it’s like a breakthrough for the whole community where I come from,” Daniel said. “This motivates me to work even harder. I am not yet to give up.”
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To support Uganda Christian University programs, students, activities, and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.
UCU Choir at Baccalaureate in Nkoyoyo Hall, Mukono campus
By Linda H. Bassert
(Last of three parts – returning to the United States)
At the Friday graduation, we were treated as VIPs, seated in a special tent in the center of a u-shaped set of canvas tents, around a central grassy area. Security was tight, but the band was playing, leading the students in graduation gowns into the area, and joy was in the air.
The Vice Chancellor spoke to the students graduating: “We train UCU students to be change makers, to be problem solvers, leaders who will make a difference. UCU graduates have good work ethics, show up and have good relations with others at work. Employers say, there is something different about you. They expect more from you. The world is looking for people who can give hope. Be different, be bold, be Hope. Do not leave God behind. Go with God.”
Then the main speaker at graduation, Graham Yoko, Chief Executive Officer – Accelerated Education Enterprises, added these wise comments:
From Ephesians 2:10 – We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Discovering your purpose in life is not a once-off event – it is a journey. The world needs your light.
From Matthew 5:14, You are the light of the world. This is your identity. And light, by its very nature, must shine. The catch: Shining in a world which often rejects or distorts the truth isn’t easy. My charge to you: Don’t back down, don’t hide your light. The darker the world becomes, the more essential your light will be. Your light isn’t about you. It’s about reflecting God’s Light in you. Trust that the One who called you is faithful to lead you.
He then spoke on Leadership: The world often defines leadership by power, position, or influence. But as followers of Christ, we are called to servant leadership. He referred to John 13:15. As you rise in your careers and as God blesses you with influence, remember your role is to serve, with humility, love, and with the heart of Christ. I challenge you to go MAD: go and Make A Difference!
The graduation then moved to degrees being conferred. Each student with a graduate degree (Master’s or PhD) was presented individually, with their families coming up to the front with them.
UCU Graduation in October 2024
The students with bachelor’s degrees came up in groups by their program (Logistics, Lawyers, Social Workers, etc.), but each name was read out individually before degrees were conferred on all of them, in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, by the Chancellor, who is the Archbishop of Uganda. As they exited the field and the next group stepped up, fun tunes were played, including a song “Finally,” which caused many students to break out in dance as they left with their degrees conferred.
Those with “diplomas” (comparable to associate degrees) did not have their names read out, though their names were in the printed programs.
After graduation, we were invited to have lunch in the Library courtyard, with other VIPs.
That night we had a group meeting to reflect on our experience. I have to say that we certainly saw brokenness and suffering in Uganda; but we also saw tremendous entrepreneurial energy; love of pattern, color and artistic expression. Throughout our stay, we witnessed deep faith; and UCU’s deep resolution and commitment to solve problems. UCU Partners plays an active role in this effort.
I felt personally challenged and inspired by the faith we saw and experienced. Could I respond with that same depth of faith in the same circumstances? That question brought me to tears at one point, and Mark assured me that grief was a valid response to some of what we had seen. I’m still seeking that answer, but for me, in part, the answer lies in expanding our personal commitment. We likely will be UCU student sponsors again in the future, after Daniel graduates.
Our trip’s last adventure was a journey to Murchison Falls National Park, with Dorothee and without Mark. The road into the park was lined with troops of baboons, nonchalantly hanging out on the asphalt and the grassy shoulder. We stopped at the falls, one of the largest on the Nile, and learned it is the most powerful waterfall in the world. Before it was named in the 1860’s Murchison Falls, for a British explorer, it was called Kabalega Falls, named for the king of this land, the Bunyoro Kingdom.
There was a viewing spot where we disembarked from our glider, but most of us also trudged up a well-maintained path, where steps were only rocks and roots. This led to a closer view of the falls. You would probably assume that there would be a mist blowing your way from the Falls; instead, it was like being sprayed with a hose by the plunging waters – all of us were thoroughly drenched as we climbed back aboard the bus, and happy our lodge was not much farther.
The Paraa Safari Lodge had lovely deluxe accommodations, comfortable beds with ceiling mounted mosquito netting, TVs in the rooms, and the nicest bathrooms of any of our stay. The buffet offerings were also the most extensive. Our room had a view of the Nile. Nearby, however, was a sign warning you that wild animals were near, and that was the reason we were here.
In the morning at dawn and before breakfast, we piled into several jeeps, with roofs and open sides, and headed out into the park to see the wildlife. The park is the largest in Uganda, with 76 major species of animals. Our guide shared a great deal of information about different species as we were en route. An elephant in the distance, silhouetted against the dawn, was the first animal we spied. Other animals seen that morning included herds of Cape Buffalo; towers of giraffes; parliaments of Ugandan Kob, the national animal and a kind of antelope; smaller Oribi (the smallest antelope), Jackson’s Hartebeest, Waterbuck, and two of what our guide said were jaguars.
Our guide pointed out a lioness sleeping in a tree some distance away. We had previously been told that if we were near a lion, it was important to be extremely quiet – no screaming, no getting out of the jeep, no sudden movements, “because lions like white meat,” our guide suggested with a wink. Evidently, however, a lioness will sleep for two or three days after eating.
Our jeep stopped, along with others, and after the Park Ranger gave approval, all of our jeeps were allowed to drive right up under the tree. We were in the first jeep, and as it parked for us to see her, I realized that if she were inclined to leap out of the tree, she could easily land in my lap! But she only partially opened one eye, closed it again, and kept sleeping.
We later saw a large hippo; four majestic crested cranes, the national bird; a large osprey; a family of Warthogs; many more antelope and giraffes, and in the distance, a herd of elephants. Finally, farther away, we spied an elephant mother and two baby elephants.
Returning to the Safari Lodge for breakfast, we had a bit of time to rest before heading out again in the afternoon, to take a 3-hour boat tour on the Nile. Here we saw many pods of hippos, and learned that Paraa, in the local language, means “land of the Hippo.” We saw gorgeous fish eagles, cattle egrets, flocks of bee eaters and other birds, plus one crocodile. An amazing day!
The next morning after breakfast we loaded our gear back on our glider to return to the Conference Center. We had box lunches on the bus, from the Safari Lodge, ironically labelled “Enjoy your Spoils.” We had Morning Prayer on the bus, and afterwards there was a lot of quiet conversation or napping by tired tourists – or were we pilgrims? A brief stop at a fruit market had our bus mobbed by vendors. Two of our group wanted to purchase Jackfruit, which they were able to do. Our driver bought pineapples, and Dorothee purchased mangoes. Everyone else stayed on the bus.
UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at left, facilitates a reflection session by the Virginia church team
That evening after Evening Prayer, Mark Bartels rejoined us, sharing information on the Uganda Studies program for students from other countries to come to UCU. Then he shared thoughts on behalf of UCU Partners, starting with the question, “How do you help the Ugandans who are helping their own people and country?”
We had already been exposed to many of the current priorities of UCU, such as the need for a Medical building on the main campus, the need for more computer and IT equipment, and a request from the Church Relations Committee for UCU Partners to sponsor two persons for a diploma (associates degree) from one of the dioceses with the fewest resources.
Mark then moved on to the question, “How does UCU Partners discern what to spend money on?”
One of the areas, which has proven most effective, is using funds to help students who have run out of funds, and just need a small amount paid in order to graduate. Another UCU Partners effort coordinates equipment needs with those who can donate and will be arranging for containers of donated medical equipment in the near future.
The third question Mark raised was, “Why Help?”
Our group discussed this with him. One reason is Impact: the dollars we give to UCU will have greater impact than those same dollars elsewhere. Another offered –“Because I’m a Christian, and that’s what Jesus said to do.”
At the same time, Mark reminded us that giving out of guilt is not sustainable. A better reason to give is a response to God’s work in our life – gratefulness – and a response to God’s work in the world. While there are all kinds of examples of people toiling for God with no fruit, don’t take for granted God’s call. He concluded by encouraging us to take some time to process the trip.
The next morning, a number of us took advantage of one more trip to shop for souvenirs or gifts, before we departed for the airport in the afternoon. I still look at the small carved turtle and carved frog I purchased, along with a Ugandan basket, a patchwork apron of Ugandan fabrics, and the two paintings we had previously purchased, and feel the connection to the artistic spirit of Uganda. Purchasing art wasn’t the reason we went, but it certainly was one part of the trip which I found personally enriching, along with my photos of other paintings, sculpture and colors which we saw.
Sometimes you make a difference just by showing up. Going to Uganda changed me. I look at the world a little differently, and certainly look at my own priorities for spending money differently. I still am absorbing the impact of the trip in my life. Our student Daniel is similarly still affected by our coming to see him.
If you are still reading this lengthy account of our trip, thank you for coming along on our journey. I hope you too take the opportunity to visit Uganda and see firsthand the focused and effective work Uganda Christian University is doing, and the impact of its graduates. I hope some of you will sponsor a student, and experience the joys and blessings we have found in doing so. Thanks be to God, that we took the opportunity to go when it presented itself.
(TOMORROW: Learn more about Daniel)
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To support Uganda Christian University programs, students, activities, and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.
Linda and David Bassert with their sponsored student, Daniel Edotu
By Linda H. Bassert (Second of three parts – Meeting Daniel)
Tuesday was a day of great anticipation: we were finally headed to Mukono, to the main campus of Uganda Christian University (UCU), where my husband David and I would at last connect with Daniel, the student we sponsor.
Before that, we would be meeting with Vice-Chancellor Aaron Mushengyezi (who has a nickname of “the Coolest Vice-Chancellor in the country”), and touring some of the campus on foot, then linking up with Daniel at the Community Worship service.
We learned that while an Anglican seminary had been on location since 1913, UCU was founded in 1997, and in 2000 graduated its first non-theological students.
Linda Bassert giving first hug to UCU Law student, Daniel Edotu
Now with a student body of 14,000 students, the university includes 11 schools and faculties.
Every undergraduate student takes the Old Testament, New Testament, World Views, Ethics, Math, and Study Skills. There also is a Study Abroad Program in which students from the USA and other countries come here to study. (We later would learn that the Study Abroad program included concentrations in Global Health, Social Work, and Interdisciplinary Studies.) Degree Programs include Engineering, Social Services, Law (25% of the students, and considered the number one law program in the country), Business (the second largest program), Journalism, Public Health, Agriculture, Education, and Nursing (100 students in the Degree program).
The Vice Chancellor, similar to a University President in the United States, explained that many of the UCU nursing graduates are leaders in nursing in Uganda. The programs at UCU are highly respected due to the Christian ethics and high standards maintained. Employers say they find the UCU graduates are different, and are giving preference to hiring them. UCU graduates bring an attitude of ministry in their fields. This attitude of ministry, and a mindset of seeking solutions to challenges, would be revealed over and over during our visit.
We also learned of a thriving sports program at UCU. The women’s basketball team had recently won another championship, and many Ugandan national athletes have been graduates of UCU.
Church members, Beth and Charlie Monroe, at the Nile River in Jinja
As we headed to the Community Worship service in Nkoyoyo Hall, a large roofed building with a stage and altar at one end, and open sides, I texted Daniel a photo of what David and I looked like. I reasoned it would be easier for Daniel to find his white sponsors than for us to find him in a sea of Ugandan students. When he found us, I immediately had to go over and hug him, and could hardly hold back the tears. At last!
This worship service was our first glimpse of the difference a Christian university makes. The posted theme for the Advent Semester 2024 was: “The power of the Gospel to transform secular ingrained thinking. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25.”
Every speaker and preacher at UCU begins with, “Praise the Lord!”
The speaker at the worship service focused on the topic of self-esteem. I was pleased to find that in this way UCU is teaching their students success strategies in addition to academic subjects. She spoke on Romans 12: 1-8, and these key points: Be kind to yourself. Speak affirmations. You are the CEO of your life. A closed mouth is a closed destiny. Set achievable goals. How did we drift where we are? Low self-esteem causes painful wounds. Constantly renew your commitment to the Lord.
After a lunch to which our student, Daniel, also was invited, our group then headed to the Innovation Hub, also the location of the campus Coffee Club.
Sculpture at UCU, demonstration of some work by students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with Education
This hub assists students with their business ideas, leading them in a process through 1) Ideation; 2) Incubation (3 months), with exhibits to show their ideas, seed capital for a second exhibit to show what they have done; and 3) 3) Acceleration, involving one in 10 reaching this stage and getting venture capital funding, fostering the microbusiness economy. As a solution to employment challenges in the country, the Innovation Hub also develops cohorts of 25 cross-disciplinary groups of students who collaborate and have training and support, with the goal of having them graduate and start businesses. The focus is “Let’s not run for the money; let’s meet people’s needs.”
The Innovation Hub also supports research collaboration. UCU is using grants to create teams, to train and teach them how to write grants and to write proposals. The Hub forms a support team for the staff, as partnerships are very important in research, and every program is now required to have community engagements.
The last stop before we headed to our hotel was a visit to the Bishop’s School, a secondary boarding school located very near UCU and where a UCU graduate who is a teacher there gave us a tour. The students study long hours, because the exams they take determine their ability to progress in the educational system. Many students from the Bishop’s School later go on to study at UCU.
Ugandan artwork, painted with coffee on wood
Wednesday is a day I will treasure. We began the day visiting two locations where UCU graduates are making a difference. The first stop was the CALM (Children Alive Ministries) Kindergarten and Primary Day School, whose directors and owners are a married couple, both UCU grads. Ernest Matsiko and his wife, Elizabeth Gim Praise Matsiko, who had done tutoring as UCU students, have a passion to give children a good foundational education at the primary level, so they would do better later at upper levels. This led them to found the school.
The children lined up for morning assembly, all in school uniforms. One of the older students was tapped to do a call and response, leading them in praise for about 15 minutes, to start the day. “Praise God” the older student said.
“Praise God,” the children replied in unison, adding “God is good – All the time. So awesome is His Name!”
The children were also delighted in answering our questions, and asking us questions about our favorite foods, colors and names of our children.
After this stop, we picked up Daniel, who would spend the rest of the day with us. The next stop was a small regional hospital, where the senior administrator is a UCU graduate. We had a tour there, and it was disconcerting, to say the least, to understand the challenges of health care in Uganda.
Wednesday’s adventure also included a brief stop to shop for souvenirs. Daniel helped our group negotiate prices for things we wanted to purchase. I was looking for gifts for grandchildren. We were instructed by Daniel, “Don’t accept the first price!”
As we took our “glider” on to Jinja, there we all then went by boat to one end of Lake Victoria, where over 60 springs supply 30% of the water of the White Nile, considered the source of the Nile River. Some in our group stepped out of the boat to stand on a platform located amidst the springs, and have their photo taken there. We also saw Monitor lizards and many kinds of birds along the shore line, including African weaver birds, which make small basket kinds of nests. Uganda has more than 1,000 bird species.
After the boat tour, we enjoyed a lovely lunch at a golf club overlooking Lake Victoria. Fresh-caught and grilled tilapia for me!
On the way back to Mukono and UCU, via a road dubbed “Pothole Road,” our glider had a flat tire. The noise from the tire burst terrified some goats tied up in the yard of a house nearby, and the goats pulled up the stakes, and ran toward their owner’s house. Small children gathered at the side of the road to watch the excitement, as we stood waiting for those changing the tire to finish. One member of our group started doing magic tricks for the children.
Great cheers went up for our driver when the tire was changed, and prayers of thanksgiving were offered.
After that pause, we headed to campus, made plans to have lunch the next day with Daniel, and then had a delicious buffet dinner with the Vice Chancellor and his wife in a tent on the lawn. The Vice Chancellor quoted former Uganda President Idi Amin in saying, “If they return, we shall have our revenge,” so the dinner was his “sweet revenge” for having been hosted by our church members in the USA.
Thursday was another day spent on the UCU campus, learning more about programs at UCU. The morning began with a tour of Computer Science and Technology programs. This curriculum goal is to give students practical skills to find solutions to problems. Some of the student projects on display were a Robotic Wheelchair prototype, a Smart Home design, and an Automatic waste management prototype – as a sorter to sort plastics out of waste. They use a 3D printer to create models, and emphasize practical applications of what they have learned, as well as supporting business startups. Community outreach in this program includes free computer repair and setup.
New programs include Data Science and Analytics, and Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering: a program UCU Partners has made possible with equipment purchased and then carried over in suitcases by Mark Bartels. This department has industry partners for career guidance and mentorship, and all first-year students in this program are mentored by senior students.
While the tour of the programs within the Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology continued on foot, two of us whose bodies were objecting to the walking were given a ride in the glider bus down to a far corner of the campus, where the technology tour would conclude.
To my delight, this put us right next to the Fine Arts and Industrial Arts program buildings in the Tech Park portion of the Mukono campus. We saw wonderful sculptures installed around the buildings. The best sculpture transforms the space it is in. As I gazed at one abstract torso with a book, I was enchanted by the artist’s vision of a student. As I am an interior designer, this was a highlight of the campus tour for me, as we two were able to not only see the sculptures up close, but also view senior School of Education student art projects and paintings, and view a demonstration of a student throwing and forming a cup on the potter’s wheel. One remarkable painting was of faces, painted with coffee, on an irregularly shaped piece of wood.
Our next stop on Thursday was a presentation by the Church Relations Office, as another priority of UCU. The only University owned by the Province of the Anglican Church of Uganda, UCU needs to serve the church, and the University’s mission needs to align with the values and teachings of the Church. They spoke at length of ways they support various dioceses with different needs. For example, the Southern Ankole Diocese is growing coffee as a part of its broader mission to improve livelihoods and promote sustainable development. Agriculture students and Business students have been engaged there.
In another diocese, with extensive wildlife resources, students focused on Tourism and Hospitality Management have been engaged in programs there. This department also offers fellowship and mentorship for clergy children. The church plays a huge role in the economic transformation of the country. Every diocese is unique, and this office has ongoing outreach to the dioceses to seek out ways to support their efforts.
There was also a presentation by the Directorate of Research, Partnerships and Innovation. UCU seeks to be different from other universities. UCU communicates and engages with the community, to identify problems and jointly work together on solutions. This was evident at graduation, where, under the UCU Postgraduate Directorate, descriptions of research by graduates with advanced degrees focused on problem solving in a wide range of areas. For example, one Master’s program candidate had focused on the educational needs of deaf students, how they were being met, and where shortfalls were found.
At this combined presentation members of our group also became solution-focused, sharing thoughts and questions, out of their expertise in a wide range of areas. I learned more about some of my friends from church, and was impressed that all of us, seeing the extraordinary difference that UCU is making in Uganda, were drawn to that solution-based mindset, thinking of ways we might help.
David and I had to slip out of this presentation, so we could adjourn to a campus restaurant for lunch with Daniel and a friend of his, while the rest of the group had lunch on campus together. This was another special memory as I think about our trip. Daniel shared with us that our coming to Uganda to see him had “given him back himself,” giving him a deeper sense of his self-worth and value, and rekindling his passion for his course of study.
Our time with Daniel was short, but very precious, and we continue to stay in touch.
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To support Uganda Christian University programs, students, activities, and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.
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